Who was Montesquieu? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

French Celebrities Born In January

Also Known As: Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu

Died At Age: 66

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jeanne de Lartigue

father: Jacques de Secondat

mother: Marie Françoise de Pesnel

Born Country: France

Philosophers French Men

Died on: February 10, 1755

place of death: Paris, France

Cause of Death: Fever

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What are Montesquieu's most famous works?

Montesquieu's most famous works include "The Spirit of the Laws" and "Persian Letters."
2

What was Montesquieu's contribution to political philosophy?

Montesquieu is known for his theory of the separation of powers, which has had a significant influence on modern political thought.
3

How did Montesquieu's ideas impact the development of modern democracies?

Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers and checks and balances have been incorporated into the political systems of many modern democracies, including the United States.
4

What was Montesquieu's view on the role of climate in shaping societies?

Montesquieu believed that climate had a significant influence on the development of societies and their political institutions, as discussed in his work "The Spirit of the Laws."
5

How did Montesquieu's writings influence the French Revolution?

Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers and the importance of political liberty played a role in shaping the intellectual climate that led to the French Revolution.

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Childhood & Early Life

Baron de Montesquieu was born in Aquitaine, France into a well to do family. His father Jacques de Secondat had a long noble ancestry and was a soldier. His mother, Marie Francoise de Pesnel died when he was seven.

He studied at the Catholic College of Juilly, a well-known school for Children belonging to the French nobility. After his father died in 1713, he went under the care of his uncle Baron de Montesquieu.

He studied literature, sciences and received classical education. He later went to attend the University of Bordeaux, where he pursued his studies in law. After his graduation, he worked in Paris.

After the death of his uncle, Baron, he became the heir to the latter’s fortune and earned his legal title as well. He was also bestowed with the office of President Mortier in the Bordeaux Parliament.

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Career

In 1714, he was appointed as a councillor in the Bordeaux Parliament. He later went on to become the deputy president of the Bordeaux Parliament. By this time he had established a social status for himself and was a wealthy man.

In 1721, he came out with his book titled, ‘Persian Letters', which was a political satire and social satire in the French context. The book earned him immense critical acclaim.

While he was in Paris, he represented the Parliament and the Academy of Bordeaux. During this phase of his life, he went on to publish some of his minor works.

In 1724, he published his work titled, ‘Dialogue de Sylla et d'Eucrate' and 'Reflexionssur la MonarchieUniverselle ' The following year, he came out with 'Le Temple de Gnide '.

By 1725, he had lost interest in his political career and life in the Parliament. The same year, he resigned from the Parliament and left France to travel out of the country.

He travelled to various parts of Germany, Italy and Austria and later went to England, where he spent the next two years. During his stay in England, he was very impressed with the political system there.

In 1731, he came back to France from England and began to work on the manuscript of his political book, ‘The Spirit of the Laws', for which he drew inspiration from the English political system, which he observed while in England.

In 1734, he published his work titled, ‘Considerations on the Causes of the Grandeur and Decadence of the Romans'. This work is believed to have been published anonymously in Holland.

In 1748, his book on political theory titled, ‘The Spirit of the Laws' was published in France. This book was published anonymously due to certain censorship issues on his work.

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In 1750, he came out with his work titled, ‘Défense de L’Esprit des Lois ', which was a defence written with reference to his previously published work, ‘The Spirit of the Laws'.

In the 1751, his book, ‘The Spirit of the Laws' created controversy after the Roman Catholic Church included it in the ‘Index of Forbidden Books’.

Before he died, he left behind an unfinished draft of his work ‘Encyclopedie of Diderot and D'Alembert’.

Major Works

His book, ‘The Spirit of the Laws' is regarded as one his most influential, ground-breaking works in the genre of political theory. This book had influenced the U.S constitution.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1715, he married Jeanne de Lartigue. The couple had three children together.

He died at the age of 66 due to severe fever in Paris.

A collection of his notebook entries from 1720 until his death in 1755, was published in a book form titled, ‘Mes Pensees’, translated as ‘My Thoughts’ in English. The English version was translated by Henry C. Clark.

Facts About Montesquieu

Montesquieu was known for his love of travel and exploration, often embarking on journeys across Europe to gain new perspectives and insights that he incorporated into his writings.

Montesquieu had a keen interest in botany and gardening, spending hours tending to his plants and cultivating a beautiful garden at his estate where he found inspiration for his work.

In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Montesquieu was also a skilled amateur chef, known for hosting lavish dinner parties where he would impress guests with his culinary creations and wine pairings.

Montesquieu had a great sense of humor and was known for his witty remarks and clever quips, which endeared him to many of his contemporaries and made him a popular figure in social circles.

Montesquieu Biography

You wanted to know

What are Montesquieu's most famous works?

What was Montesquieu's contribution to political philosophy?

How did Montesquieu's ideas impact the development of modern democracies?

What was Montesquieu's view on the role of climate in shaping societies?

How did Montesquieu's writings influence the French Revolution?